The UIC School
of Public Health has invited Kenneth Cole to speak at its convocation
in recognition of his leadership concerning key public health issues
including AIDS, homelessness and violence prevention. Cole, chief
executive officer of Kenneth Cole Productions, was one of the first
members of the fashion community to transform advertising campaigns
for products into public service announcements for public health.

Cole is a
national board member of amfAR
- the American Foundation for AIDS Research - and HELP
U.S.A., the largest provider of housing and services for the
homeless.

"Because of
his commitment to public health issues, Kenneth Cole is considered
an honorary public health practitioner," said UIC School of Public
Health Dean Susan Scrimshaw. Cole's activities dovetail, in general,
with the school's overall mission and, in particular, with the UIC
School of Public Health's research and service programs, including
the Chicago Violence Prevention Project and Community Outreach Intervention
Projects.

The school
will honor Cole with an Appreciation Award for his public health
advocacy.